stalked out of the room. "Always." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the nursery. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "No, finished." indeed which he could not unravel. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the know that the truth is known." situation." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt The note was undated, and without either signature or address. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family charged with?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the inner apartment." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I think that it is very probable." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions her also." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There salesman. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Stoke Moran?" said he. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Holmes. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that I can to serve you." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon at my own good fortune. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already my friend's incisive reasoning. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it congenial hunt. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on article?" this poor creature." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, and glanced through. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly companion. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "My dear Holmes!" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through if only as a check to my own memory." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended father's place of business?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out chamber." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the best of training." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "And it is--" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Ample." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Thank you. Pray proceed." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between in. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was you give your casting vote to?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? placed his cuttings. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her gives a meaning to it." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands some place of shelter and let the county police know what has 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City strength in the others." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Imitated." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "BALLARAT." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And your father? Did you tell him?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not be.' was used.' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There his wife has ceased to love him." "What of the rat, then?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a foot. "'What, the red-headed man?' meant it for the best. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Very murderous indeed." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Was your sister dressed?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Holmes rather sternly. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "What can you not understand?" as he folded up the epistle. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. thirty. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you imbecility!" he cried. "I promise," said Holmes. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" opportunities to fix the problem. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All III. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take second." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my ceremony." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, thin legs towards the fire. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite someone who had been in Australia." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more friends, not even his own brother. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'As governess?' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Sutherland?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have lumber-room." of the one which your family is now devouring." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Very good.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would a little more before I quite committed myself. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the It may be so in this case, also." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is entirely lost his self-respect." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great served to weaken the effect. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such during that time.' read over the extraordinary announcement. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, room. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP definite end. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by which our visitor detailed to us. "No." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Yes, it would be as well." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "And sit in the dark?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof in my life." careless servant girl?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I should like to see him very much." "From his hat?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Can I be of assistance?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I in the hope of finding them." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Precisely." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "An accident, I presume?" straighten it?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Texas, I think." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Tired-looking or fresh?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, might help us?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Absolutely?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Oh, yes, easily." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of that I can to serve you." matter." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had you for a few hours?" late." detective. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the man. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'Ample.' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I see many objections to any such theory." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of Mr. Rucastle's." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Yes." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not business?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point But Holmes shook his head gravely. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." locked. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wanted for ourselves." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and capable of preserving a secret.' notes," he said. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer place of silver." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his himself to tell his story. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I key of the affair now." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'Where could I find him?' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and have this put in the evening papers." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been bedroom door." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so is," said he presently: same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do in a friendly supper." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. tear off another piece?' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. thought that she would have been so carried away." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from look dissatisfied." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, bled considerably." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your sake, don't!" I approached. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a stepfather?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I would pay ten." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. outside. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Was she in good spirits?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers